You probably remember Kim Buike as the retired Navy Captain who brought a serious dose of maturity and "officer and a gentleman" energy to Joan Vassos’s season of The Golden Bachelorette. But things got weirdly intense when he hit the sand for Bachelor in Paradise Season 10. We aren't talking about the usual 20-somethings crying over a stolen taco. Kim was part of the first-ever "Golden" crossover in Paradise, and his journey with Faith Martin was a total rollercoaster that left fans with a lot of questions.
The Beach Connection: Kim and Faith
When Kim Buike arrived at the Azura Beach Resort in Costa Rica, he wasn't there to play games. Honestly, at 71, why would you? He immediately gravitated toward Faith Martin, the fan-favorite from Gerry Turner’s season. They seemed like a match made in heaven—or at least in Washington state, since they both lived there.
They were basically the "mom and dad" of the beach. While the younger contestants were busy with "Stagecoach" drama and messy love triangles, Kim and Faith were busy being adorable. They sang together. They shared deep conversations about loss. Kim even wrote her poems. It felt real. It felt like the kind of love people actually go on these shows to find.
That Scary Health Moment
The season took a sharp turn during the August 11 episode. If you were watching, you saw the mood shift instantly. Kim had to leave the beach for a medical checkup, which had Faith—and most of us at home—pretty rattled. Given the heat in Costa Rica and the intensity of filming, everyone was worried about his heart.
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The Bachelor franchise has seen its share of ambulance rides, but seeing a Golden contestant in that position felt different. Thankfully, Kim was okay and returned to the beach, but it was a sobering reminder that Paradise isn't all sunshine and margaritas.
The Shocking Exit
Despite their strong connection, Kim and Faith didn't make it to the end. The exit was... controversial, to say the least. In a "Paradise" twist, the men had the roses, but the cast had to vote on which man wouldn't get a rose to hand out.
Kim got the boot.
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Because he was the one eliminated, Faith chose to leave with him. They left the beach as a couple, and for a few weeks in the summer of 2025, it looked like they were going to be the next big success story. They even "hard launched" their relationship on Instagram, showing Kim meeting Faith’s family and friends in her hometown.
Why It Didn't Last
By September 2025, the bubble burst. Faith took to social media to set the record straight. She posted a video explaining that while they had a great time on the show, they were no longer together.
The biggest hurdle? Distance.
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Even though they both live in Washington, they are about five hours apart. Faith mentioned that they hadn't even done interviews together because of the gap. It's the classic Bachelor Nation problem: real life hits differently than the beach.
What Most People Get Wrong About Kim
A lot of people think Kim was "too serious" for the show. Kathy Swarts even went on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast and said she didn't really see a romance between him and Faith, despite all the kissing. She even called him blunt, mentioning how he told her early on he didn't find her attractive.
But here’s the thing: Kim is a retired Navy Captain. He’s direct. He doesn't have time for the "influencer" fluff that usually dominates these shows. Whether you liked his style or not, he was one of the most authentic people to ever step onto that beach.
What to Do if You're Following the Goldens
If you’re still rooting for Kim or Faith, here is how to stay updated without falling for the fake fan pages:
- Follow Faith Martin on Instagram: She is the one who usually gives the most honest updates.
- Check "Bachelor Happy Hour": This is where the cast members go to give the "real" story that the producers edited out.
- Don't believe the "Hard Launch" posts immediately: As we saw with Kim and Faith, a kiss on the cheek for the cameras doesn't always mean a wedding is coming.
Kim is officially back on the market, ladies. As Faith herself said in her breakup video, "He is a great guy and he is available."